Understanding Addiction Treatment Program Length

In answering a question as central as “How long does drug rehab take?” it is important to remember that there is no predetermined length of time for addiction treatment that is judged as ideal or adequate across the board. Individuals going through treatment for drug addiction do so at various speeds. However, it is important to keep in mind that better outcomes have been found with those who undergo drug treatment for longer amounts of time.

How Long Does Drug Rehab Take?

Residential drug addiction treatment designed for fewer than 90 days generally has limited effectiveness in long-term resolution of a drug addiction. Programs exceeding 90 days are therefore preferred. As part of treatment for certain addictions, such as those to heroin and prescription painkillers, methadone maintenance has a general minimum length of 12 months, and some individuals addicted to opiates can continue to benefit from methadone maintenance for a period of years.

Did You Know?

About 2.5 million drug addicts were treated on an inpatient basis in the past year, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.

“How long does drug rehab take?” is a complex question when examining the different substances as well as the preferences and natural tendencies of people addicted to these substances. Successful recovery could require more than an-encompassing treatment program, showing the importance of treatment for multiple types of addiction. According to the publication Psychology of Addictive Behaviors, published in 1997, relapse for cocaine addiction within a year of treatment happens in 55 percent of people who have undertaken a treatment of 90 days or fewer and 28 percent for those with more than 90 days in treatment. The rates of relapse for general drug use are 53 percent for the fewer-than-90-day treatment period and 19 percent for more than 90 days in treatment.

The length of time for addiction treatment also depends on whether the user:

Uses multiple drugs

Is involved in crime

Has mental health disorders

Suffers from unemployment

These individuals will benefit from a treatment program that takes more than 90 days.

Treatment retention can be a problem with certain addicts. The level of association with family, friends or colleagues who are drug users or involved in crime can directly affect this. Sanction or enticement by one’s family, employer or the criminal justice system to get treatment can improve the likelihood of treatment entry and retention. This can also increase an individual’s internal motivation to seek treatment and ultimately change. Other factors associated with increased retention are:

Having a good relationship with the counselor

Satisfaction with treatment

Attending education classes

Exposure to experienced staff within residential programs

Self-esteem

Attitudes and beliefs about oneself and the future

Motivation and the feeling of readiness for treatment

Strategies Used in Treatment Programs

One documented approach teaches cognitive strategies to improve self-esteem, develop roadmaps for positive personal change, cultivate better understanding of how to make the most of and benefit from drug abuse treatment, and develop the right expectations for treatment and recovery. This approach was proven to be most effective with those with lower education levels.

Short-Term Rehab Treatment

That said, there are short-term treatment programs that could be suited to certain people. Short term usually means five to seven days of physical stabilization and detox. How long the rehab process takes will be a personal decision made in concert with a doctor or counselor. To discuss options for treatment or to obtain further information regarding drug treatment program lengths, call us now at
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Did You Know?

The National Institute on Drug abuse estimates that the overall costs of substance abuse in the United States, including those costs related to productivity, health and crimes, exceed $600 billion annually. This figure includes roughly $181 billion for illicit drugs, $193 billion for tobacco, and $235 billion for alcohol.

Choosing the Best Rehab Center

Most inpatient treatment programs perform extensive evaluations and assessments to determine the personality of patients, the best program for them, their medical history and whether mental health problems are present. These types of evaluations help target the treatment for each individual entering a drug rehabilitation program.

Until a patient is physically stable, rehab is continued. After the initial assessment and a thorough evaluation, patients undertake medically monitored detoxification, if necessary, which can take from three to 14 days, depending on the type and amount of drugs, alcohol or combination of these that the patient has taken.

In answering the question — “How long does drug rehab take?” — examine the different types of inpatient and outpatient treatment options available. The different types of programs are:

How Our Help Line Works

If you’re seeking addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, our ProjectKnow.com help line is a private and convenient solution. Caring advisors are available 24/7 to discuss treatment options with you.

Calls to any general help line (non-facility specific 1-8XX numbers) found on this site will be answered between the hours of 5:00am and 9:00pm Pacific by American Addiction Centers (AAC) and outside of those hours by one of our paid treatment center sponsors.

You can connect with non-sponsor facilities by browsing our listings and calling them directly.